Outdoor Sports & Activities

If you are looking for outdoor adventure, Santa Fe is a great destination from which to experience the outdoors. We have covered hiking and golfing in other sections of Experience Santa Fe but there is a myriad of other fresh-air sports and activities to get the adrenaline flowing.

As we are near the Rio Grande, whitewater river rafting is popular in the spring and summer. Nearby rivers such as the Pecos and Chama provide great opportunities for fly fishing. There are several outfitters in town that can handle all of the arrangements from lessons and gear to travel. If you are more comfortable on land, horseback riding in the Cerrillos hills and mountain biking on the Dale Ball trails are available. Llama trekking in New Mexico’s wilderness and day hikes can also be arranged.

In the winter, snow skiing and snowboarding at Ski Santa Fe is just a 30-minute drive away. Here, you will find a good mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs suitable for all ages and skill levels. A little farther away are several additional ski areas including Pajarito Mountain (1-hour drive), Sipapu Ski Resort (90 minutes drive) and the famous Taos Ski Valley (two hours drive). Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed at Valles Grande (1 hour) and the Enchanted Forest Cross Country and Snowshoe Area (2 ½ hours). Sleigh rides in the Valles Grande are also a very popular experience that you’ll long remember.

For those who want the thrill of flying, you can take a hot air balloon ride and experience the expansive views of Las Barrancas (the ravines) and the beautiful surrounding virgin land slightly north of Santa Fe. Soaring and glider rides through our incredible clear skies are also available for the aviation-minded adventurers.